Born Anew

Born Anew IV.

Ever felt like life failed you? Ever felt like you deserve a second chance? Ever felt like you want to be free? That is how she felt when she attacked us.

We were on our way to Algadha. With Rhuk on our side we found an advantage in battle, but many towns and cities were unwelcoming to us. While no one attacked us, and most were too scared of the enormous green man carrying a monstrous blade, they generally expressed disdain. Finding a decent place to rest was a challenge which Lowri didn't enjoy at all. Kraid however was fascinated by our new companion. Ogres seemed to possess fascinating magical knowledge which my friend put to use quickly.

Despite our differences we formed strong bonds of friendship. Kraid was the glue of our friendship. Lowri and Rhuk didn't get along, mostly because of Rhuk's behavior, but they both were close to Kraid. And while Lowri and I were in friendly terms, I sincerely preferred to interact with my brothers in arms rather than the vampire diva who convinced us all of taking part in a ritual to perpetuate her youth.

After facing several dangerous monsters and outlaws, we finally found a place where we could take a break. A small walled town called Brandtan. It was a rather beautiful place, but we ended up in the poorest district, the only one with comfortable bedrooms where Rhuk was allowed. The way he was treated by most of the so called Old People and a few of the New People was starting to get under our skins. Even Lowri grew tired of that as we registered our names in a cozy low class inn.

The innkeeper was a very polite gnome lady with a glass eye. Whatever her story was, her kindness made clear life might have been unjust on her. We were about to register our rooms as one for Lowri and Kraid and one for Rhuk and I until a small figure walked to us. A young wyfcat with spotted black and white fur and pink hair.

"Oh! I won't allow you to share a room with that demon! Girls need some privacy!"

"Who the devil are you, and why should we listen to you?" Rhuk asked with strong distrust and clear disdain for the small girl.

"What's with the ogre? He looks angry."

"I don't like 'furs'. They are not our friends."

"Personal issues, darling. Don't mind him. He's really nice once you know him. Besides, I'm sure he won't like to treat others the way he has been so unjustly treated." Belanova used her sliver tongue to influence our friend.

"Fine. I will entertain your request. But she better proves her worth."

"Then how shall we organize things if we can't share rooms?" Kraid inquired.

"Simple my 'horny' friend." The little girl purred in humorous tone. "Your bard and I will share a room, and you guys choose your own way."

"Is there any room for three?" I asked the innkeeper.

"Oh, my dear. There is none. I'm afraid one of you must sleep alone."

"That won't do." Rhuk responded. "We all know that could lead to an ambush, if we are not falling into one already by trusting a 'fur'."

"How rude! I'm clean as a cat could ever be!"

"I need no bed to sleep. Could that help accommodate for three in a room?" The ogre asked.

"I won't object if you wish so. But bear in mind that would be less than pleasant." The innkeeper handed our keys.

"Well. With that settled, my name is Marinette Polnareff. Nice to meet you!" The girl winked and then tugged Lowri's arm. "I finally get to have a sleepover with a sister!"

...

Later that night Lowri knocked at our door. She carried the mysterious cat girl, bound in blood tendrils, and both seemed rather angry.

"Hammerfist was right! It was a trap! This girl tried to steal my purse full of Aureas!" The bard yelled, ready to kill the little fur ball.

"I told you I changed my mind! I was returning it when you caught me!" Marinette spoke trying to save her life.

"I assume you want us to judge her." Rhuk spoke.

"Yes! I'm too angry to decide what to do. It's up to you."

"Explain yourself, Polnareff." Kraid uttered as if he was a judge.

"An interrogation? Fine! Not the first time in my twenty years of life that I'm arrested and interrogated." The little one replied with a look of frustration on her face.

"20 years? You look... A lot younger." I responded with slight confusion.

"Whatever! Ask away!"

"Why were you trying to steal from us?" Kraid asked.

"I do what I must to live. I had no choice... I never did."

"You say you changed your mind. Is that true?" I inquired hoping I could trust her.

"It is! I know you can't trust me anymore, but I tell the truth!" Marinette responded with a sad look on her face.

"Why would you do that? Thieves, especially 'furs', have no honor."

"Because I somehow grew some of it. Just when I was about to leave with her Aureas I began to think of how nice you were with me. And I began to wonder what having a sister felt like. My life was a mess from start, and I felt like nobody liked me. But she, no, all of you were nice to me. I... I wanted to travel with you and get out of this crap! I wanted to have friends!"

"So. What shall we do. I want to drain her to death." Lowry spoke. "But I'm second guessing myself on that."

"Kill her." Kraid responded coldly. "I don't trust her."

"No. I mean, Kraid is my friend and all. But I know what starting all over again feels like. We should give her a chance." I spoke against my best friend, hoping he didn't feel betrayed.

"I understand, but I still think she should be punished." Kraid responded. "The choice is up to you, Hammerfist."

"Welcome aboard, Polnareff!" Rhuk yelled. "I heard her words, and looked at her eyes. Even 'furs' can't conceal their soul from its windows. She speaks truth. I will give her the chance the Old People refuses to give me."

With that choice Marinette became one of our friends. The sneakiest, stingiest, and least honorable of us so far, but a friend indeed. And I certainly enjoyed her presence.